August 2, 2011

  • Simple, Predicatable....Boring To Many I Think


    TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

    I like to keep things simple.  The Beast seems to like to keep complicating things.  Nothing with him is ever simple.  He keeps making these *improvements* that mean you have to keep track of things like salt levels (water softener), filters (charcoal house filters, sink water filter) and now there is this new thing that prevents scale from forming and holds it in suspension.  It means that when he drains the hot water heater, he will be getting a lot of a sand-like crap coming out of it. 

    We have no idea yet how long some of these things will last and how often we need to schedule changing them.  The only thing we DO know is that the hot water heater will need to be drained and flushed once a year.  Since the Beast thrives on all this stuff, it's all well and fine WHILE HE IS ALIVE.  But, when he departs this earthly plane, where does that leave me?  With a complicated life as far as I am concerned. 

    Doing all the things that housewives do (cooking, wash, cleaning, bill paying) are things I am used to doing.  I keep my life simple by doing certain things on certain days.  I'm not OCD about it and can be flexible when I need to be.  Before I had my *accident* that left me unable to do more than hobble for short periods of time, I did the watering of my planters and hanging plants every day.  I used to be able to water every 2-3 days but not when the weather is as hot as it has been.  The ground dries incredibly fast and the plants all require more water to stay green and healthy.  The Beast and Chewlee have taken over that chore but I should be able to do it once again very soon.  At least I can stay upright on my feet for longer periods of time now. 

    Even when I have Chewlee, I know that I will be doing certain things at certain times.  I even know what we will be watching on the days we watch TV.  If Chewlee wants to watch DVD's, I can predict which ones she will be choosing.  There are certain differences but....she has my full attention when I take care of her.  The Beast will do the cooking if I haven't made something up before she gets here.

    When we first got all the planters ready for our garden, I altered the things I did each day until they were all planted and it was just a matter of watering and time.  When it comes time for canning, I change my schedule once again.  It isn't boring to me but I know a lot of people that would say it would make them crazy (and a few HAVE said it).  I get up, have coffee either out on the deck or at my computer.  I check my email; I play certain games on a daily basis.  I fold clothes in my computer room making piles of various things that I put away once all the wash is done.  I usually eat at my computer because I chat with my sister, Bratfink and/or a couple other friends online.  I admit I avoid eating with the Beast a lot because if he can see me, he expects me to wait on him.  Sorry, but HE got to retire and can sit around all damn day IF HE CHOOSES.  However, MY CHORES continue indefinitely.  I really wouldn't enjoy sleeping on sheets until they are so dirty and worn that they fall apart.   

    We don't go to a show; we watch DVD's of new movies when they become available.  I have been accumulating a large DVD collection the past few years because of that fact.  We seldom go out to eat.  I don't have a bar I like to stop in and have a few drinks any more.  In fact, the last couple of times I have even been in a restaurant to eat where drinks are served, I was with the Princess.  I DO try to keep vodka and the TGI Friday's premixed Mudslide in the house.  I will have a drink or two with Bratfink (you never want to drink alone  ) while we chat but don't even do that on a daily basis.  My days seldom vary except around Christmas time.  That is when I am out and about because of buying presents for my kids.  I DO love Christmas and I love decorating for it, too.  Once everything is decorated, I hate when I have to take it down.  If it were up to me, I would keep it decorated all year long.  I guess that means I am more *Southern* than I thought.  Except....I don't have icicle lights on my front porch that stay up all year long. 

    I have been reading this blog about a couple that reduced their life and needs to the simplest possible.  Of course, it was due to many different things, including an illness.  They sold off their big, expensive house and truck and are now homesteading.  She cans food that they grow for themselves (sound familiar?).  She says she was surprised to find that this new lifestyle left her....happier than she has ever been.  Their needs are few and they don't suffer from a lot of *wants*.  I can dig it.  If it weren't for the Beast and his *need* to have one project after another (and it always includes spending $$$), that is the life I would be leading naturally.  I don't have a lot of wants.  My needs are simple.  My biggest downfall is buying things for Chewlee.  I buy her a lot of the Garanimal clothes that Walmart carries.  They are not expensive, wash and wear well and they are comfortable for little ones.  They are so adorable that I admit I buy things on impulse.  But, heck, I can buy her an outfit for $7.  That doesn't hurt the budget at all.  By budget, I don't include the Beast.  He blows any idea of a budget but....*I* have certain guidelines I follow and I seldom go over that. 

    I crochet and have made an afghan for all my kids and a few nieces and nephews.  I've even made caps and scarves up because I love long scarves and you can't buy them long any more.  I also sew.  I have a sewing machine the Beast bought for me that is way more than I ever wanted with all it does.  All I wanted to be able to do was make repairs on some things around here and to make some pajamas for Chewlee.  And perhaps a dress or two.  I haven't done either for quite a while because I haven't been bored OR inspired.  Another thing I do is paint ceramics.  I have all the stuff for it and a big bin of paints and other required items.  I DO plan on doing some of that very soon because I picked up some items at the local fair that I will use for decorations this Thanksgiving AND Christmas.  Those are all the *exciting* things in MY life.  How about yours?  I would dearly love to know how boring you think MY life is and how it compares to yours.

    Time to get this posted before the storm they say we are going to have interferes with our satellite connection to the web.  Love you all and thanks so much for coming by.  Be good, be careful and stay hydrated and cool.